GTTS reservations Glacier

Question

Hi - I am stressed out planning this visit. I appreciate all the advice in the many threads. I am wondering how hard it will be to get reservations for GTTS and if we don't get them, I know we can go after 3 pm, I'm wondering if we can go in before 7 am?

Also I saw someone say, you can always go in at St Mary's. I looked on maps and from Coram where we were able to find accomodations and it's hours to go around.

Seems like going in after 3 pm is a better option if we don't get a time slot and can't go in before 7. Thank you

Answer

Planning a visit to Glacier National Park can certainly be stressful, especially when it comes to securing reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). Here’s some detailed information and advice to help reduce the stress and plan your trip more effectively:

Getting Reservations for GTTSR:

As of 2023, reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road are required during peak season, typically from June to mid-September. These reservations are limited and can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. It is important to book your reservation as soon as possible once they become available, usually a few months in advance. Many visitors report that reservations can be competitive, so if you haven't secured one yet, I highly recommend checking availability on the official Glacier National Park website or using the recreation.gov platform for up-to-date availability.

What if You Don’t Get a Reservation?

If you are unable to get a reservation for the GTTSR during the required window, you do have a couple of options. You are correct that one alternative is to enter the park after 3 p.m., as the road becomes open to all visitors without a reservation at that time. However, keep in mind that the road can be very busy, and you may encounter more traffic, especially in popular spots like Logan Pass. If you're staying in the park or nearby, this can still give you a nice opportunity to explore, but the earlier you arrive after 3 p.m., the better.

Can You Enter Before 7 a.m.?

The official policy is that you cannot enter the GTTSR before 7 a.m. without a reservation during the peak season. However, if you manage to enter the park at an entrance that is not GTTSR-specific, such as the St. Mary entrance, you can access the road before 7 a.m., but you'll still need to have a reservation for the GTTSR section itself. Just keep in mind that this route from St. Mary to the higher elevations on the Sun Road is much longer and slower, so you may want to factor in additional time if you're planning to reach key points like Logan Pass before 7 a.m. Without a reservation, driving through after 7 a.m. is generally a better approach to avoid complications.

St. Mary Entrance Option:

As you mentioned, the St. Mary entrance is one option to access the park and the GTTSR. While this entrance is a bit farther from popular destinations like Logan Pass or the west side of the park, it can still be a good option if you're coming from the east side of the park, or if you want to avoid the crowds that accumulate at the main entrance. St. Mary is located along the eastern side of the park, and it’s the best entrance for accessing the eastern sections of the GTTSR. If you're coming from Coram, which is closer to the western side, it will take you roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to drive to St. Mary. While it may seem like a long drive, the morning light and less crowded roads can make the experience more enjoyable. The main issue here is that it adds extra driving time, but it can be a viable option if you're okay with the longer drive and want to avoid reservation issues.

Suggestions:

If you can't get a reservation, try visiting after 3 p.m. for fewer crowds.
If you’re staying near the west side of the park (like Coram), consider driving to the St. Mary entrance early in the morning. It will take time, but it’s a good option if you’re okay with the extra drive.
Be prepared for long lines, especially during peak times in the summer. The earlier you can start your day, the better.
Consider staying a bit longer at Logan Pass or key viewpoints to avoid the traffic that builds later in the day.

Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your flexibility and what you're hoping to experience. But remember, even if you can't secure a reservation for the GTTSR, Glacier National Park has plenty of other beautiful sights to enjoy, including scenic hikes, lakes, and less crowded areas like the Many Glacier region.

Enjoy your visit to one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.!